Chapter 11
Jennifer and Alexis exchanged a knowing and sinister smile.
Meanwhile, two burly bodyguards flanked Eleanor, dragging her into her room. The moment they stepped inside, they shoved her roughly to the floor and barked “Sit down!”
Eleanor Landed hard, and her tailbone slammed against the floor. She winced, drawing in a sharp breath. “Ow…”
Eric sauntered in and looked down at Eleanor with a smug, condescending glare. “Ms. Reed, let me give you some advice: Don’t even think about Trying to leave. Fighting back will only make things worse for you.”
Rubbing the sore spot on her back, Eleanor let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, Eric, spare me the lecture. You know as well as I do that my so–called troubles weren’t self–inflicted. Someone made damn sure I’d end up here.”
Eric had been working for the Reed family long enough to know the truth. But of course, he wasn’t blind–he was just pretending to be to curry favor with Jennifer and Alexis.
were never meant to have. You should
Eric said, his tone unnervingly calm. “All of this is because you overreached. You wanted something you w know you aren’t worthy of Mr. Vanderbilt.”
“Oh!” Eleanor’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “And who exactly is worthy of him? Let me guess–your new masters? Jennifer and Alexis, especially Alexis, right?”
Eric’s face turned grim, but he said nothing.
Eleanor lifted her chin, her eyes cold and defiant. She might be cornered, but she’d be damned if she let people like him see her crumble. She wouldn’t allow anyone to laugh at her.
After a tense pause. Eric finally spoke, his voice low and gravelly, “If you insist on being stubborn, don’t blame me for what happens next. Block the windowsTM
The bodyguards answered in unison, “Yes” After that, they fled out of the room
Eleanor’s eyes widened as she asked, “What are you doing?”
“You’ll find out soon enough, Eric replied with a sinister smirk, positioning himself by the door to prevent her from trying to escape.
Eleanor glared at him but bit her tongue, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response
Moments later, the bodyguards returned with planks of wood, nails, and a hammer.
“Seal the windows,” Eric commanded, his tone curt
The bodyguards set to work, hammering the wooden boards over the windows with a rhythmic thud.
Then it hit Eleanor why they were doing this. They were so desperate to keep her locked up.
“You’ve
got to be kidding me,” she snapped, her voice laced with disbelief. “Do you think I’m some kind of prisoner here?”
Eric’s response was calm a
and cutting. “It’s best if you start accepting your place, Ms. Reed. It’ll save everyone a lot of trouble.
“You’re crazy,” Eleanor shouted.
Before Erie could retort, the sound of wheels rolling down the hallway interrupted them, followed by Alexis’s sweet voice. “Eleanor, everyone thinks you’re crazy. You call others crazy. Do you think people will believe the majority or you?”
The bodyguards and Eric bowed slightly as Alexis wheeled herself into the room. They greeted her in unison. “Ms. Foster”
Alexis carried herself with confidence, which made her look more like the rightful heir to the Reed family than Eleanor ever did. And maybe she was–Eleanor was now little more than an outsider in her home.
estor stared at Alexis and asked calmly, “What are you doing here? Come to gloat or show off?”
Alexis feigned shock and covered her chest as if Eleanor’s words had wounded her deeply. “Eleanor, how could you think.
that of me! You make
sound so cruel”
“Spare mr Eleanor said, her voice dripping with disdain. “Even now, you’re still putting on this pathetic act! Honestly, Alexis, you’re boring me
2:59 PM c c
Chapter II
Alexis bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, creating a perfect picture of fragile innocence.
Seeing this, Eric stepped forward, eager to ingratiate himself. “Ms. Fuster, there’s no need to waste your breath on her. She’s still so stubborn.”
“Eric, be nice,” Alexis said softly, her tone as sweet as honey. “No matter what, I can’t just give up on her.
Eric’s wrinkled face stretched into a fawning smile. “Ms. Foster, you’re too kind for your own good.”
Listening to their nauseating exchange, Eleanor almost gagged. She snapped, “Are you two done yet! If you’re finished, do me a favor and get out.”
She’d rather be alone than endure their fake sympathy.
Alexis took a sigh and glanced at Eric. “I need a moment to speak with Eleanor privately. Once the windows are boarded up, you all can leave.”
Though Alexis pretended to be kind and generous, she still insisted that the windows should be sealed first
Eric nodded, barking at the bodyguards. “Hurry up and finish the job”
Eleanor didn’t say a word but just watched them silently. She wanted to see what kind of game Alexis was playing this time.
It didn’t take long for the bodyguards to finish boarding up the windows, and soon the room was cleared out, leaving only Alexis and Eleanor.
Alexis studied Eleanor with an air of superiority before suddenly raising her hand and delivering a sharp slap across Eleanor’s face. The sound echoed in the quiet room, and Eleanor’s head snapped to the side.
Slowly, she turned back to face Alexis, her voice icy. “You finally took off your mask, huh?”
Alexis let out a chuckle and blew on her hand.
A bright red handprint began to bloom across Eleanor’s cheek, the sting radiating through her skin. But she didn’t flinch, her cold gaze locked on Alexis. Without a word, Eleanor raised her own hand and slapped Alexis back.
The force left Alexis stunned. She clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. “Y–you dare hit me??”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t dare,” Eleanor said coolly. You have pointed out that my life is a mess. What else do I have to lose? Let me remind you of something. Alexis. I’ve got nowhere to retreat, so why should I be afraid of you!”
“You.” Alexis glared at her with venom in her gaze.
Eleanor tilted her head and asked mockingly. “Why look at me like that? Are you waiting for another slap?”
Alexis visibly shuddered all over. She knew Eleanor wasn’t bluffing–if anything, she’d hit harder the second time.
“Crary bitch” Alexis hissed, fury twisting her face. “Eleanor, you’re totally insane! With that, Alexis spun her wheelchair around and stormed out of
the room.
“Careful on your way out,” Eleanor said after her, her voice cold and biting. “You know what they say walk down too many dark roads, and sooner or later, you’ll run into a ghost.”
The sound of the wheelchair paused briefly and then sped up as Alexis hurried down the hall.
“At the far end, in a quiet corner. Alexis stopped. Her hands trembled with rage as she raised them to her face, slapping herself over and over until her cheek was swollen and red
Next, she yanked at her hair, roughing it to look as disheveled as possible.”
When she was done, Alexis stared at her reflection in a nearby mirror, smiling with satisfaction at her handiwork. With a final glance, she turned and rolled into the living room where Gregory was staying
